Facilities

About

This park is ten acres and is Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) accessible with a concession stand, restrooms, four softball diamonds, soccer fields and trails. Flanagan Sports Complex includes Flanagan Ball Fields and Landrum Soccer Fields and is located in Tawawa Park.

Park Features

• Concession Facility
• Drinking Water
• Restrooms
• Shelter
• Softball Diamonds
• Soccer Fields
• Walkway / Bikeway

History

 (Research completed by Cheryl Michaels and Janet Ross 2009)

Flanagan Sports Complex

Flanagan Sports Complex located at 600 Riverside Drive was named (1998) in honor of Richard E Flanagan. Mr. Flanagan, an active professional sports figure, died in 1997. He played basketball and track but excelled in football. He was a star football player at Ohio State and played eight professional seasons in the National Football League. “Dick” became the City’s first Parks and Recreation Superintendent and was instrumental in establishing the present park system in Sidney. He retired after 30 active years in this position. The Tawawa Softball Complex was renamed as a tribute to the effort Mr. Flanagan made to provide recreational opportunities for the City of Sidney.

Taylor Field

Taylor Field located at the Softball Complex at 600 Riverside Drive was named (1998) in honor of the late Victor L. Taylor. Mr. Taylor was active in establishing activities for the youth of Sidney. He established the program that was the forerunner of the IUTIS Softball Program. Former Sidney Boys Club members, business associates, and friends were instrumental in paying tribute to Mr. Taylor by naming this softball field in his honor.

Duke Deloye Field

Duke DeLoye Field located at the Softball Complex at 600 Riverside Drive was named (1996) in honor of the late Duke DeLoye. Mr. DeLoye served for over 30 years with the IUTIS Club. He was involved as a coach, umpire, and concession stand manager. He also was responsible for running an adult softball tournament for eight years.

Richard Pope Field

The Richard Pope Field located at the Softball Complex at 600 Riverside Drive was named (1993) in honor of Richard Pope. Mr. Pope, who retired in 1992 as president and CEO of the Stolle Corporation, was active in the community for several years. In recognition of his dedication to the youth of Sidney, the field was named in his honor.

George Kratt Field

George Kratt Field located at the Softball Complex at 600 Riverside Drive was named (1996) in honor of George Kratt. Mr. Kratt served as a dedicated member of the Sidney Recreation Board for 20 years. At one time he served as chairman of this board. In addition, he also served as a member of City Council. Mr. Kratt would work with Ray Cotterman to replace the lights on Custenborder Field. The men would use no equipment, instead climbing the poles to replace the burned out lights. (Additional Contribution from Shelby County Historical Society)